Didactics
Apnea Academy learning course’s mission is to provide step by step support to every person interested in discovering the underwater free diving. Starting from the first approach to free diving with the Apnea Discovery course (this course differs from a standard snorkelling course, covering techniques of relaxation and breathing which are now included in the courses of modern free-diving), to the highest level of the programme, the Instructor’s course , Apnea Academy helps, at very stage, to identify one’s limits to dive safely underwater still maintaining the unsurpassed feeling provided by free-diving. Only the most motivated and competent people have been selected by Apnea Academy as instructors to provide superior know how and experience to beginners.
To make the development of the diving techniques more enjoyable, safe and easy, Apnea Academy has completed a multimedia system which is based on special teaching supports.
Technical test in swimming pool and in open waters are video recorded to facilitate technical improvements. The official Manual of free diving, slides, didactical videos, final test and scoring have all been prepared to provide a specific sequence of subjects and help acquiring the knowledge offered by the learning material.
Each course consist of theoretical lessons, swimming pool training, relaxation and breathing techniques and open water tests. Once the course is completed and subject to the favourable evaluation from the instructor, an Apnea Academy Award will be issued to the student.
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Course type |
Description |
Certification |
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Stage |
Apnea Academy Stage is an intensive training course which length and intensity will vary from time to time. The stage will include sea dives both on constant and variable weight, static and dynamic tests in the pool, breathing and relaxation techniques and theoretical lessons. Every student can attend this stage. |
No certification card is released |
Apnea Discovery |
Apnea Discovery is addressed to whoever wants to test the underwater free-diving with minimum equipment, still learning relaxation and breathing techniques and to “look inside himself” searching for the wellness provided by free diving and to discover , in harmony with the environment, the marvellous underwater world, made of lights and colours no elsewhere found.
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No certification card is released |
Indoor Freediver |
'Indoor freediver' is the first course that AA is fully developed in the pool.
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Outdoor Freediver |
It is the other facet of the medal of the 'Indoor Freediver' course as it is developed in open waters or deep pools to discover the emotion of the depth. The goal is to let the student discover the good feelings that only apnea can give with a correct management of breathing and relaxation but also development of sensitivity in water, by listening to the body, to discover the pleasure to dissolve in the liquid that surrounds and become one with the water by experiencing the depth.
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First Level |
Apnea Academy First Level represents the first approach to free-diving with a complete basic equipment. The objective of the course is to reach controlled free-diving by applying relaxation and breething techniques in order to reach following performances: 1’15” static apnea,25 m in dynamic and 8 m in dept. |
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Second Level |
Apnea Academy Second Level is to improve the relaxation and breathing techniques by taking advantage of the experience acquired in the first level in order to reach following performances: 2’30” in static,50 m dynamic and 15 m depth. |
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Third Level |
Apnea Academy Third Level is the highest award for a free diver. By a improvement of its ability to operate in the water, mental and technical training , the free diver will be able to reach 3’ static, 70 m dynamic and 25 m depth. |
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Assistant instructor |
This is the level before becoming instructor. Learn to manage a class of students by assisting a certified instructor during his classes. Once certified the assistant is allowed to teach by his own apnea discovery classes. |
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Instructor |
Preparing a freediver for Apnea Academy means teaching freediving techniques, in the swimming pool and in the sea, but also relaxing and breathing techniques. For gaining the access to the course you need an Apnea Academy Assistant Award and a first aid official certification. |
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Specializations |
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Basic monofin freediver |
Learn techniques and materials to start using a monofin in a pool. Addressed to students with at least a first level. Based on Swim-like-a-dolphin didactic. |
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Advanced monofin freediver |
Advanced techniques to train with a monofin in pools and depth. Addressed to students with at least a second level. Based on Swim-like-a-dolphin didactic. |
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Variable weight and No Limits |
Experience more in depth variable weight and no limit using a sled. Acquire awareness, release tensions, improve equalization and enjoy depth in an alternative way. Addressed to students with at least a second level. |
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Mental Training |
The mental part consist of 80% of our activity during free-diving. Learn how to train mental capacities (motivation, arousal, concentration, management of emotions, self talk, mental hooks, mental visualizations…) and enter into the "zone". Based on the Deep Inside programme. Addressed to students with at least a first level. |
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Rescue and Safety freediver |
Learn and practice rescue techniques, learn to manage emergencies and practice Basic Life Support basing on DAN certification system. Strongly suggested to increase security level. Addressed to students with at least a first level. |
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Advanced Equalization |
Learn how to manage deep equalization techniques (mouth fill) and techniques to train them. Often coupled with the variable/no limit specialization. Addressed to students with at least a second level. |
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